High relapse rate of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults treated with Hyper-CVAD chemotherapy in Sweden

IDH2-mutated near ETP-ALL with aggressive leukemia cutis and brisk response to venetoclax and decitabine

Near early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) is a rare hematologic malignancy, for which second line therapeutic options are limited. T-cell leukemias are also rarely associated with leukemia cutis, which is more often seen in leukemias of myeloid origin. We present the case of an adult male diagnosed with near ETP-ALL, with IDH2 and DNMT3A mutations, suggestive of a myeloid origin, and leukemia cutis. After the patient progressed on hyper-CVAD and nelarabine, we treated him with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the hypomethylating agent decitabine. The regimen induced a rapid bone marrow response and resolution of the leukemia cutis.

Cytogenetic and molecular characteristics and outcomes of adult patients with early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) is a recently identified high-risk subgroup of T-cell ALL in children. However, there have been conflicting reports and limited data have been reported in adult patients. We retrospectively analyzed the cytogenetic and molecular characteristics and long-term survival outcomes of adult patients with ETP-ALL versus non-ETP-ALL. We analyzed 58 patients (median age, 35 years [range, 18-76 years]) with newly diagnosed T-cell ALL who received a uniform remission induction and consolidation chemotherapy with suitable samples for genetic analyses. If a donor was available, all patients were recommended allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for post-remission therapy. Out of 58 patients, 21 (36.2%) had ETP-ALL. Patients with ETP-ALL were older and had a higher proportion of complex karyotype than non-ETP-ALL. Additionally, more DNMT3A mutations were detected in ETP-ALL, whereas FBXW7 mutations and CDKN2A/CDKN2B deletions were found nearly exclusively in non-ETP-ALL. The overall complete remission (CR) rates were not different between ETP-ALL (95.2%) and non-ETP-ALL (81.1%) and subsequent allo-HCT proceeding rates in CR1 were 61.9% for ETP-ALL and 43.2% for non-ETP-ALL, respectively. The overall prognosis of patients with T-ALL was poor that estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 33.3% for ETP-ALL and 29.5% for non-ETP-ALL. In a subgroup analysis of patients treated with allo-HCT in CR1 (n = 29), 5-year OS was 53.8% for ETP-ALL and 55.4% for non-ETP-ALL. Our data showed molecular characteristics of ETP-ALL and non-ETP-ALL and revealed that intensive chemotherapy followed by allo-HCT for post-remission therapy can contribute to preserved survival outcome of adult patients with ETP-ALL.

Improved survival of adolescents and young adults patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Aim

The outcome of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has improved with the use of pediatric-inspired protocols in the adolescents and young adults (AYA) population. There is limited literature regarding the outcome of T-ALL/lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) AYA patients treated with pediatric protocols.

Methods

A total of 35 T-ALL/LBL-AYA patients ages between 14 and 55 years were treated with AYA-15 protocol.

Results

At a median follow-up of 5 years the overall survival, disease-free survival and event-free survival are 71%, 62% and 49.6% respectively. Toxicities were within the expected range.

Conclusion

Our single-center experience real-world data in treating T-ALL/LBL-AYA patients with pediatric-inspired protocol demonstrates encouraging results of high survival rate and excellent tolerability for patients aged 18-55 years.

Clinical experience with frontline Hyper-CVAD-based regimens, including Hyper-CVAD plus ponatinib, in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated at a comprehensive cancer center

BACKGROUND

Hyper-CVAD is an established regimen for adult ALL that was developed at the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). However, results can vary across different institutions given the heterogeneity of patient populations and institutional practices. Moreover, while a MDACC study demonstrated that the combination of ponatinib plus hyper-CVAD produced remarkable activity in untreated Ph+ ALL, it remains to be externally validated. We sought to validate those findings in previously untreated adult patients with Ph+ ALL.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study analyzing the outcomes of previously untreated adult ALL patients treated with hyper-CVAD, with a focus on Ph+ ALL patients treated with ponatinib plus hyper-CVAD.

RESULTS

82 patients were included. The median age was 51 years. The median follow-up was 2.62 years. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 39.5 % and 28.2 %, respectively. For Ph+ ALL patients (n = 13) receiving ponatinib plus hyper-CVAD, 3-year OS and EFS were both 92.3 %. Univariate analysis showed a high WBC and poor-risk cytogenetics to be associated with inferior outcomes, while CD20 + predicted favorable outcomes in B-ALL patients. On multivariate analysis, CD20 + retained significance for Philadelphia-negative (Ph-) ALL. For Ph+ ALL, ponatinib was associated with better OS and EFS on univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our data supports the use of ponatinib plus hyper-CVAD as a standard of care regimen for Ph+ ALL. Our outcomes for Ph-ALL and T-cell ALL (T-ALL) show that advances are still needed in the frontline setting, and clinical trial enrollment is recommended.

Pharmacotherapeutic management of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults: an update of the literature

INTRODUCTION

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare but potentially life-threatening heterogeneous hematologic malignancy that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by hematologists. So far, therapeutic advances have been achieved in the management of this disease mainly by adopting pediatric-like regimens, and cure rates are significantly worse than in childhood. In T-ALL, less than 70% of adults achieve long-term survival. The prognosis after relapse is still very poor. Hence, there is urgent need to improve therapy of T-ALL by testing new compounds and combinations for the treatment of this disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a comprehensive update on the most recent treatment approaches in adults with de novo and relapsed/refractory adult T-ALL.

EXPERT OPINION

Intensifying chemotherapy may reduce the incidence of recurrent disease in adult patients, but it has not come without a cost. Novel agents with selective T-ALL activity (e.g. nelarabine) may improve survival in some patient subsets. Due to modern genomic and transcriptomic techniques, various novel potential targets might change the treatment landscape in the next few years and will, hopefully alongside with cellular therapies, augment the therapeutic armamentarium in the near future.

T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Current Concepts in Molecular Biology and Management

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an uncommon, yet aggressive leukemia that accounts for approximately one-fourth of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. CDKN2A/CDKN2B and NOTCH1 are the most common mutated genes in T-ALL. Children and young adults are treated with pediatric intensive regimens and have superior outcomes compared to older adults. In children and young adults, Nelarabine added to frontline chemotherapy improves outcomes and end of consolidation measurable residual disease has emerged as the most valuable prognostic marker. While outcomes for de-novo disease are steadily improving, patients with relapsed and refractory T-ALL fare poorly. Newer targeted therapies are being studied in large clinical trials and have the potential to further improve outcomes. The role of allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is evolving due to the increased use of pediatric-inspired regimens and MRD monitoring. In this review we will discuss the biology, treatment, and outcomes in pediatric and adult T-ALL.

A novel and highly effective mitochondrial uncoupling drug in T-cell leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy. Despite recent advances in treatments with intensified chemotherapy regimens, relapse rates and associated morbidities remain high. In this context, metabolic dependencies have emerged as a druggable opportunity for the treatment of leukemia. Here, we tested the antileukemic effects of MB1-47, a newly developed mitochondrial uncoupling compound. MB1-47 treatment in T-ALL cells robustly inhibited cell proliferation via both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects as a result of compromised mitochondrial energy and metabolite depletion, which severely impaired nucleotide biosynthesis. Mechanistically, acute treatment with MB1-47 in primary leukemias promoted AMPK activation and downregulation of mTOR signaling, stalling anabolic pathways that support leukemic cell survival. Indeed, MB1-47 treatment in mice harboring either murine NOTCH1-induced primary leukemias or human T-ALL PDXs led to potent antileukemic effects with a significant extension in survival without overlapping toxicities. Overall, our findings demonstrate a critical role for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in T-ALL and uncover MB1-47-driven mitochondrial uncoupling as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this disease.

Managing toxicities with asparaginase-based therapies in adult ALL: summary of an ESMO Open-Cancer Horizons roundtable discussion

With recent prospective clinical trials that used paediatric regimens with multiple doses of pegylated form of asparaginase (PEG asparaginase) in adults reporting significantly improved survival compared with historical data with regimens that used less asparaginase, PEG asparaginase is increasingly being used in the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, administering asparaginase still comes with its challenges, especially in adult patients. Therefore, it is important to understand how to manage its toxicities properly. An expert group met in November 2019 in London to discuss recent data of paediatric as well as adult studies using paediatric regimens with regard to the best management of several key toxicities that can occur in adults treated with asparaginase including hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, hypertriglyceridaemia, thrombosis and hypersensitivity. Several recommendations were made for each one of these toxicities, with the goal of safe administration of the drug and to educate clinicians when the drug can be continued despite side effects.

Biology and Treatment Paradigms in T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Older Adolescents and Adults

OPINION STATEMENT

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) occurs in approximately 25-30% of adult ALL diagnoses. Historically, B cell ALL (B-ALL) and T-ALL have been treated in the same fashion despite differences in the biology of disease. Outcomes in the adolescent/young adult (AYA) population have improved significantly with the utilization of pediatric-based regimens. In addition, there may now be a role for the addition of nelarabine to frontline treatment in the AYA population. In older adults, choices in which regimen to pursue should account for the potential toxicities associated with pediatric-based regimens. Measurable residual disease (MRD) has taken on increasing prognostic value in T-ALL and may help to identify which patients should receive an allogeneic stem cell transplant. T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) has traditionally been treated similarly to T-ALL, but additional management questions must be considered. Mediastinal irradiation does not seem to clearly improve outcomes, and there is considerable heterogeneity in the central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis strategy used in prospective trials. CNS prophylaxis in AYA patients with T-ALL, on the other hand, can be safely achieved with intrathecal chemotherapy alone. Prospective data regarding CNS prophylaxis strategies in older adults are currently not available. Nelarabine-based regimens currently remain the standard in relapsed/refractory T-ALL; however, novel therapies targeting molecular aberrations in T-ALL are actively being investigated.

Pediatric-inspired protocols in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: are the results bearing fruit?

Observational findings demonstrating improved survival for younger adults following pediatric, as opposed to adult, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) regimens have been translated into international, prospective multicenter clinical trials testing the pediatric regimen in young adult ALL. The results of these studies confirm the feasibility of delivering the pediatric regimen in the adult oncology setting and establish the superiority of this approach relative to historical adult cooperative group regimen results. Specific toxicities, including thrombosis, hepatotoxicity, and osteonecrosis, are more prevalent in adults receiving the pediatric regimen relative to young children. Persistent minimal residual disease (MRD) is a strong prognostic indicator in adults receiving the pediatric regimen; sensitive, high-quality MRD evaluation should be performed in all patients receiving these therapies. Incorporation of targeted agents, particularly in the frontline and MRD+ setting, will usher in the next era of the pediatric regimen in adult ALL.

The treatment of adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with ALL represent a unique population in terms of their biology and treatment. Studies have demonstrated an improved outcome when these patients are treated with pediatric-inspired regimens. Novel antibody based therapies have demonstrated impressive results in relapsed/refractory B-ALL and are starting to be evaluated in the upfront setting. Immunotherapy with CAR T cells had great success in ALL and clinical trials are ongoing and further studies are being done to expand access to this therapy and decrease toxicities. Although our outcomes with this disease have improved significantly, transplant still plays a role for high risk patients in CR1 (based on MRD status) and for patients with relapsed/refractory ALL.

Survival in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): A report from the Swedish ALL Registry

OBJECTIVES

As new, effective therapies emerge for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the results of clinical trials need to relate to standard of care.

METHODS

We used the population-based Swedish ALL Registry to evaluate characteristics, treatment and long-term outcome in 933 patients with diagnosis between 1997 and 2015.

RESULTS

The median age was 53 years. The frequency of Philadelphia (Ph)-positive leukaemia was 34% of examined B-ALL with a peak incidence at 50-59 years. Five-year overall survival (OS) improved between 1997-2006 and 2007-2015; in patients 18-45 years from 50% (95% CI 43-57) to 65% (95% CI 58-72), 46-65 years from 25% (95% CI 18-32) to 46% (95% CI 37-55) and >65 years from 7% (95% CI 2.6-11) to 11% (95% CI 5.9-16) (P < 0.05). Men with Ph-neg B-ALL 46-65 years had inferior OS compared with women (P < 0.01). Standardised mortality ratio was 5.7 (95% CI 5.0-6.3) for patients who survived 5 years from diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, Ph-positive disease was not associated with impaired prognosis but with lower risk of death in 2007-2015.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based cohort, OS has improved in adult ALL, especially for Ph-positive disease but for middle-aged men with Ph-negative B-ALL outcome was poor. Cure without late toxicity or relapse is still desired.

Recent Advances in the Biology and Treatment of T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the biology and treatment of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and highlights the most recent findings in this field over the past 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Remarkable progress has been made in the genomic landscape of T-ALL over the past few years. The discovery of activating mutations of NOTCH1 and FBXW7 in a majority of patients has been a seminal observation, with several early phase clinical trials currently exploring these as potential therapeutic targets. Characterization of early T cell precursor ALL, incorporation of minimal residual disease assessment into therapeutic protocols, and use of pediatric-intensive regimens along with judicious use of allogeneic HCT have significantly improved risk stratification and treatment outcomes. Improved risk stratification and the use of novel targeted therapies based on recent genomic discoveries are expected to change the therapeutic landscape of T-ALL and hopefully improve the outcomes of this historically poor prognosis disease.

Treatment of young adults with Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma: Hyper-CVAD vs. pediatric-inspired regimens

For young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, pediatric-based regimens are likely to provide the following when compared to hyper-CVAD regimens: better disease control, less hospitalization time, diminished acute toxicities, decreased financial cost, more quality-adjusted life years, and fewer adverse late effects, such as infertility, myelodysplasia, and second malignant neoplasms. There are also reasons to expect less cardiac and cognitive dysfunction after pediatric regimens. The improved quality and quantity of life associated with pediatric regimens renders them preferable to hyper-CVAD regimens for the treatment of Philadelphia-negative B-precursor or T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma in young adults.

MicroRNA expression and activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a lymphoid malignancy caused by the oncogenic transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Many biologically relevant genetic and epigenetic alterations have been identified as driving factors for this transformation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence various leukemias, including T-ALL. Aberrant expression of miRNAs can function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in T-ALL through the regulation of cell migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. This occurs by targeting key signaling pathways or transcriptional factors that play a critical role in T-ALL pathology and progression. Different miRNA expression profiles have been linked to specific genetic subtypes of human T-ALL. Furthermore, miRNAs can also act as independent prognostic factors to predict clinical outcomes for T-ALL patients. In the current review, we will focus on the role of miRNAs in the development and progression of T-ALL.

The Dana Farber consortium protocol (DFCP) vs. classic Hyper-CVAD for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in patients <50 Y. Single institution experience

BACKGROUND

The use of intensive pediatric protocols for the treatment of ALL is being extended to older adults.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Analysis of the efficacy and toxicity results of pediatric DFCP vs. classic Hyper-CVAD protocol for the treatment of patients with ALL < 50 Y.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective single center comparative analysis of DFCP & classic Hyper-CVAD for first line treatment of patients with ALL < 50 Y.

RESULTS

73 patients were included, 43 received DFCP and 30 received Hyper-CVAD protocol. CR rate was 90.7% for DFCP vs. 83.7 for Hyper-CVAD (p 0.7). 3 Y Leukemia free survival was 57.4% (70.9% for DFCP vs. 41.6% Hyper-CVAD P 0.1) while 3Y OS was 62.6%% for the whole group, 72.6% DFCP vs. 48.5% Hyper-CVAD, P 0.04. Those with age <21 Y, had significantly longer 3 Y LFS and OS (P 0.04, 0.02, respectively).

TOXICITY

pancreatitis occurred in 5 patients with DFCP and it was related to Asparginase and in 1 patient on Hyper-CVAD related to gall stones. Osteonecrosis affected 5 patients on DFCP.

IN CONCLUSION

pediatric protocols are feasible in patients younger than 50 Y and they are more active than classic adult protocols. Although modifications of adult protocols may improve their results, this had to be investigated in randomized controlled trials.

Management of adults with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare disease in adults with inferior survival outcomes compared with those seen in pediatric patients. Although potentially curable with ∼50% survival at 5 years, adult patients with relapsed disease have dismal outcomes with <10% of patients surviving long term. This review will discuss the diagnosis and management of adult patients with newly diagnosed T-cell ALL with an emphasis on the immunophenotypic and genetic analyses required to assign prognosis, risk stratify, and guide post-remission therapy. The evidence for the main components of complex T-cell ALL treatment regimens is described. The importance of monitoring minimal residual disease is emphasized, with a discussion of the different methods used. The results of hematopoietic cell transplantation are analyzed, and recommendations made about which patients should be considered for this intervention. The treatment of the adolescent and young adult group is delineated, and the role of using “pediatric-inspired” regimens in older adults considered. We also describe the current data and potential future options for the use of novel therapies, including nelarabine and γ-secretase inhibitors, in adult patients with T-cell ALL.

The genetics and mechanisms of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive haematological malignancy derived from early T cell progenitors. In recent years genomic and transcriptomic studies have uncovered major oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways involved in T-ALL transformation and identified distinct biological groups associated with prognosis. An increased understanding of T-ALL biology has already translated into new prognostic biomarkers and improved animal models of leukaemia and has opened opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. In this Review we examine our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-ALL and recent developments in the translation of these results to the clinic.

Best Practices in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Focus on Asparaginase

The inclusion of asparaginase in chemotherapy regimens to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has had a positive impact on survival in pediatric patients. Historically, asparaginase has been excluded from most treatment protocols for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients because of perceived toxicity in this population, and this is believed to have contributed to poorer outcomes in these patients. However, retrospective analyses over the past 12 years have shown that 2-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival of AYA patients is significantly improved with pediatric versus adult protocols. The addition of asparaginase to adult protocols yielded high rates of first remission and improved survival. However, long-term survival remains lower compared with what has been seen in pediatrics. The notion that asparaginase is poorly tolerated by AYA patients has been challenged in multiple studies. In some, but not all, studies, the incidences of hepatic and pancreatic toxicities were higher in AYA patients, whereas the rates of hypersensitivity reactions did not appear to differ with age. There is an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events, and management with anti-coagulation therapy is recommended. Overall, the risk of therapy-related mortality is low. Together, this suggests that high-intensity pediatric protocols offer an effective and tolerable approach to treating ALL in the AYA population.

How I treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults

T-cell immunophenotype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an uncommon aggressive leukemia that can present with leukemic and/or lymphomatous manifestations. Molecular studies are enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of T-ALL, and the discovery of activating mutations of NOTCH1 and FBXW7 in a majority of patients has been a seminal observation. The use of pediatric intensive combination chemotherapy regimens in adolescents and young adults has significantly improved the outcome of patients with T-ALL. The use of nelarabine for relapsed and refractory T-ALL results in responses in a substantial minority of patients. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) still plays a key role in patients with high-risk or relapsed/refractory disease. γ-Secretase inhibitors hold promise for the treatment of patients with NOTCH1 mutations, and the results of clinical trials with these agents are eagerly awaited. It is recommended that younger patients receive a pediatric-intensive regimen. Older and unfit patients can receive suitable multiagent chemotherapy and be allocated to HCT based on their response, risk factors, and comorbidities. Although advances in the treatment of T-ALL have lagged behind those of B-cell ALL, it is hoped that the molecular revolution will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of this aggressive lymphoid malignancy.

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deficient T-cell ALL xenografts are sensitive to pralatrexate and 6-thioguanine alone and in combination

PURPOSE

To investigate the effectiveness of a combination of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) and pralatrexate (PDX) in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deficient T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-cell ALL).

METHODS

CCRF-CEM (MTAP(-/-)) and Molt4 (MTAP(+/+)) T-cell ALL cell lines were treated with 6-TG or PDX and evaluated for efficacy 72 h later. NOD/SCID gamma mice bearing CEM or Molt4 xenografts were treated with 6-TG and PDX alone or in combination to evaluate antitumor effects.

RESULTS

CEM cells were more sensitive to 6-TG and PDX in vitro than Molt4. In vivo, CEM cells were very sensitive to PDX and 6-TG, whereas Molt4 cells were highly resistant to 6-TG. A well-tolerated combination of PDX and 6-TG achieved significant tumor regression in CEM xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

The loss of MTAP expression may be therapeutically exploited in T-cell ALL. The combination of 6-TG and PDX, with the inclusion of leucovorin rescue, allows for a safe and effective regimen in MTAP-deficient T-cell ALL.